I opened my mouth to answer her, but that would mean telling her about my inheritance and more details about my past than I was prepared for. I gave her the next best answer. “To be your companion, of course. There is no room for romance in my life at present.”
Augusta sat back in her seat and folded her arms. “Do you really think that you would be the first companion to fall in love?”
“Love?” Heat stole into my cheeks, and I shook my head. “Who said anything about love?”
“You did not have to say anything. Like I said before, your faraway looks say it for you.”
“Augusta, really—”
“Don’t tell me I’m wrong,” she said over me. “Wouldn’t you rather save your breath and find out what my brother thinks of you in return?”
“What?” I was waving my hands in front of my face not two seconds later. “That’s completely unnecessary.”
“Come, I have the perfect plan.”
I had to jump to my feet to keep up with her. She was already to the door and through it before I could even object. I could tell we were heading toward Lord Camden’s office, but I stupidly followed, my stride lengthening to catch her.
Suddenly, Augusta stopped and threw out her arm. As soon as I was beside her, I saw what she had. Just outside the window by the front door stood Lord Camden in conversation with Mr. Abramson.
“Good heavens.” Augusta pulled me to the narrow window. “How timely of us.”
“What are you scheming, Augusta?” I skewered her with a knowing look. She was up to something, and the thin ice beneath me was already cracking. I didn’t need her help to drown me any faster.
She frowned in frustration. “Nothing untoward. Just a little lip-reading.”
It was my turn to frown. “Lip-reading?”
“Yes, I had a tutor once who worked with deaf-mutes. Another one of Mother’s desperate tactics to teach me to read. The only skill I managed was learning the basics of lip-reading. I practice whenever I can.”
I groaned. “If only you were so diligent with your reading.”
She shook her head. “Lip-reading is much more interesting.”
I had not expected any of this. “Well, I cannot think of a reason to stop you. Unless, of course, the nature of their conversation is too personal. Then we must respect their privacy.”
“I do havesomemanners,” Augusta assured, turning back to the window.
I did not argue with her. I too leaned toward the edge of the window, curious as to the process of lip-reading. But it was not their mouths that caught my attention, but the stance of their legs, their folded arms, and the grimness of their features. Whatever they were saying, it was not anything as friendly as the weather.
“Atlas says that Mr. Abramson shouldn’t have come.”
“I got that much just by looking at them,” I mumbled.
“Oh, good heavens,” Augusta cried.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Mr. Abramson is not enunciating his words properly. He should open his mouth more when he speaks.”
I giggled. “Be sure to tell him that when you meet again.”
“Something about snow? Or . . . letting it go.”
Atlas shook his head, and Augusta mimicked what she thought he said in response. “I cannot trust you? No, that cannot be right. He would not have said that to Mr. Abramson.”
I was not so sure. Mr. Abramson did not seem very trusting last night.
Just then Lord Camden’s face turned, and his eyes met ours in the window.
